Sharjah extends suspension of all activities until the end of April

Sharjah will extend the suspension of all social and sporting events and celebrations in wedding halls, event halls, hotels,  government and community facilities, until the end of April – and possibly beyond it too, if need be – reported official news agency WAM on Sunday.

The order was issued by the Sharjah Executive Council as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic as part of the directives outlined by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council.

On March 19, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) started implementing a remote work system, calling on all customers to use its smart platforms including chamber’s website and app.

Read: Sharjah Chamber of Commerce provides online attestation services

On March 22, Tariq Bin Khadim, the head of human resources department in the Government of Sharjah announced the activation of the remote work system from Sunday for all government employees, except for those for whom it was essential to be present in their workplace.

Read: Sharjah activates work-from-home for government employees

On March 22, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced the activation of a remote working system for all federal ministries and the private sector too across the country beginning from Sunday, March 29, for a period of two weeks subject to renewal and evaluation.

Sharjah Police have begun using drones with loudspeakers to play messages in three languages asking the public in the emirate to remain at home.

Read: Video: Sharjah Police use drones to reinforce coronavirus movement restrictions

Sharjah’s instructions to residents to stay home are in line with the messaging from the UAE government urging people to remain indoors unless it is absolutely essential for them to venture out.

Read: Sharjah to offer 10% discount on utility bills for three months

As part of the emirate’s economic stimulus package to support businesses and individuals in the emirate, the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority announced a 10 per cent reduction in utility bills for a period of three months, while the Sharjah Asset Management, the investment wing of the Sharjah Government, has decided to waive the rent for tenants of Haraj and Jubil markets.

Read: Sharjah issues three-month rent waiver for commercial tenants